11th MEU Factbook

11th MEU Factbook

How Marines actually feel about DADT.

Thanks again Joe for the article.

Via the Raw Story.  Read the whole thing but...

"Sir, we joined the Marine Corps because the Marine Corps has a set of standards and values that is better than that of the civilian sector. And we have gone and changed those values and repealed the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy," the sergeant told Gates during the question and answer session.
"We have not given the Marines a chance to decide whether they wish to continue serving under that. Is there going to be an option for those Marines that no longer wish to serve due to the fact their moral values have not changed?" he asked.
"No," Gates responded. "You'll have to complete your ... enlistment just like everybody else."

This is the truth that no one wants to admit.  I stand by earlier posts.  The repeal of DADT will get peoples asses kicked and careers ruined.  This is an ill conceived policy and the Marine Corps will suffer for it.  We will see the gay version of tail hook and it won't be pretty at all.  

Why airpower has failed in Libya.

Thanks Joe for sending this article.

A must read from Politico....a tidbit but make sure you read the entire article...its a primer on how airpower alone will never win wars.

Absent a coup or lucky air strike that takes out Qadhafi, success requires what all other wars demanded: a competent, reasonably armed and well-led ground capacity. In the Libya case, this will require time, money, equipment and leadership with far more on-the-ground NATO assistance. For those who think otherwise, they would do well to recall the conclusion Johns Hopkins University strategist Eliot Cohen — the director of the U.S. government’s Persian Gulf War evaluation — made in Foreign Affairs in 1994: “Air power is an unusually seductive form of military strength, in part because, like modern courtship, it appears to offer gratification without commitment.”
In Libya, gratification will not suffice.

Today is the anniversary of the D-Day Invasion.

Some websites you should check out...

US Army History...The Normandy Invasion in Pictures.


The National D-Day Memorial.

Update on Force Protection's Timberwolf Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicle.

Remember my article on Force Protection's Timberwolf TAPV?  Well it appears that I owe them an apology for 'holding their cards close to the vest'...not only are all the contenders doing that, but Mr. Pruitt from FP responded to my inquiry and added that because of the Canadian RFP not being complete--he couldn't answer questions at this time.

Fair enough.  Add to it that Force Protection responded to my e-mail then they get more than a pass...they rate a Bravo Zulu.  He did state that further information would be available soon...so when I get it so will you.  No further info.

Team Timberwolf Website.

ANGLICO and Radio Battalion in the fight....

COMBAT OUTPOST SHUKVANI, Afghanistan-Cpl. Scott Harvey, a cryptologic linguist with Operational Command Element 2, 2nd Radio Battalion, Task Force Belleau Wood, listens for insurgent radio activity, May 8. Radio Battalion consists of linguists and signal analysts who provide coalition units with indication and warning of insurgent activity., Lance Cpl. Bryan Nygaard, 5/7/2011 8:14 AM

COMBAT OUTPOST SHUKVANI, Afghanistan-Sgt. Joseph Graham, a forward observer with Fire Control Team 5, Supporting Arms Liaison Team Chuck, 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company monitors a village for insurgent activity, May 7. Marines with 2nd Radio Battalion, Task Force Belleau Wood, supply units like 2nd ANGLICO with indications and warning of insurgent activity., Lance Cpl. Bryan Nygaard, 5/7/2011 7:15 AM

Nevada Automotive Test Center...

The Nevada Automotive Test Center...if you're into military vehicles, then this is probably one of the most important quasi-government orgs you've never (maybe) heard of...
Nevada Automotive Test Center